HARRISBURG — A Valley business leader joined lawmakers and experts last week to push for urgent childcare solutions in Pennsylvania. Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce President Chris Berleth met with Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver and Representatives Michael Stender and Robert Leadbeter. They say childcare centers are overwhelmed with staffing shortages, high costs, and long waitlists.
In Montour County, five classrooms are closed, and 120 kids are waiting. In Columbia County, 92% of eligible children under five are unserved. The May 7 event was hosted by the PA Early Learning Investment Commission. Advocates called for direct funding to providers and stronger public-private partnerships to support working families and rebuild the workforce.
Berleth also spoke to Sara Lauver, Associate Director at the PA Early Learning Investment Commission, who helped to organize the event. He spoke to Karen Grimm-Thomas, an Early Childhood Education Strategy Advisor with The Pennsylvania Key, who has been a key connector and advocate in our region.
